Ballads, without a doubt, are the hidden gems of every top-notch rock album. These slower, melodic tunes always steal the spotlight amidst the raw energy and thunderous riffs that often define rock music. What makes them truly special is their ability to hit us right in the feels—like a musical rollercoaster of emotions. Ballads provide fresh air, connecting listeners deeper through heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. They're the yin to the yang of rock, offering a complete and balanced musical experience essential to any excellent rock album. Here are some of my favorites in recent Christian rock and metal records in the last year or two.
Demon Hunter - "Along The Way"
Rock veterans Demon Hunter's most recent record, Exile, presents a lot of unique sounds and styles from the band that we've never heard in the 20-plus years they have been making music as a band. The record was their first concept album, accompanied by a fiction novel series, and was a refreshing sound from Demon Hunter. The record’s last song was also a first that plays for more than eight minutes. “Along The Way” is about the overarching theme of the series but can also be heard as a walk-through of life. It’s a unique track that you need to hear.
Holyname - "Perpetua"
At the start of the year, the highly talented rock band Holyname released their self-titled debut. They later live-streamed a concert featuring most songs and released it as a live album. But one of the album’s most intriguing songs is "Perpetua." Like the rest of the album, this song is worship-themed and focuses on the eternal fulfillment that Jesus brings and our eventual forever home with Him.
Project 86 - "Tartarus Kiss"
The monumental hard rock band Project 86 is officially ending, but not before releasing the best music they've ever made. The band crowd-funded a two-part record, OMNI, with part one already out. A remarkable song on the album titled "Tartarus Kiss” immediately caught my attention. Although Project 86 has not produced many ballads in their music history, when they do, it is always a standout track on the record. "Tartarus Kiss" is no exception. Maybe we'll get another in Part 2.
Amongst the Giants - "Hourglass"
One of the things I love about metal music is its ability to create beautiful ballads or at least a song that’s significantly softer than the rest of the record. In 2022, hard rockers Amongst the Giants released their new EP, Desolate Minds. Impressive aggression in these songs focuses on mental health and the balance of faith within it. The last song, "Hourglass," begs for an answer inside the unknown of God's reasoning in our struggles—something we can all relate to.
Skillet - "Forever or the End"
The rock community loves Skillet for its excellent arena rock. Even with all the rock and roll, they still find space on their records to strip back some noise and focus on more creative elements. Their most recent album, Dominion, had a great mix of hard-hitting rock songs and several beautifully crafted ballads. One of my favorites was "Forever or the End." The vocal duetting with vocalists John Cooper and Jen Ledger is always a treat, and the song is a great fit among the others on the album.
Chaotic Resemblance - "Hosanna"
Chaotic Resemblance is a band that creates modern rock music with a classic twist. Lead singer Travis McConnell brings gritty, soaring vocals like classic rock legends Stryper or Petra. Chaotic Resemblance released a killer record last year called Nazarites. It’s full of gospel-focused, high-energy rock music, yet in the middle of it all is "Hosanna." Amid it all is "Hosanna,” which provides a harmonious break from rock and roll. The coming of Christ is a topic that is never written about enough and with such intimacy as this band, surrounded by hard rock.
Theocracy - "The Greatest Hope"
After seven years, we finally have new music from the power metal band Theocracy. You may recall them from iconic metal songs like "I Am," Mirror of Souls," and "Ghost Ship." Now, lead singer and founder Matt Smith is back with their best to date, Mosaic. There is an epic 20-minute closing track, endless flurries of guitar solos and riffs, and some unmatched vocals. Yet, we hear the slow burner of an affectionate song titled "The Greatest Hope." This song is intriguing in the beauty of warm vocals that build to a climax and address the challenging topic of grief amongst our hope in Christ. You can't miss this one.
Ryan Adams lives in Montana with his family. He works as a professional game master and loves his spoiled rotten dog.
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